Texas A&M star discusses postseason hopes

Rylan Griffen talks about the Aggies' NCAA Tournament aspirations in Bucky McMillan's first season as head coach.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Texas A&M finished the 2025-2026 regular season 21-10 and 11-7 in the SEC, tying for fourth in the conference standings under first-year head coach Bucky McMillan. Despite early-season adversity, including the loss of forward Mackenzie Mgbako, the Aggies relied on their veteran roster and transfer portal additions to play small ball and earn a strong conference record. However, they struggled against bigger teams like Florida and Arkansas. Now, senior guard Rylan Griffen, who has stepped up as a shooter, will be crucial to the Aggies' postseason hopes as they aim to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Making the NCAA Tournament in McMillan's first season would be a significant accomplishment for the Texas A&M program, as they look to establish themselves as one of the top college basketball teams in the country under the new head coach.

The details

Texas A&M finished the regular season 21-10 overall and 11-7 in SEC play, tying for fourth in the conference standings. The Aggies' strong season came despite early-season adversity, including the loss of forward Mackenzie Mgbako, which forced head coach Bucky McMillan to rely on his veteran roster and transfer portal additions to play a small-ball style focused on outscoring opponents. While this strategy worked early in SEC play, building a 7-1 conference record, the Aggies struggled against bigger teams like Florida and Arkansas. Now, senior guard Rylan Griffen, who has stepped up as a shooter, hitting nine 3-pointers in wins over Kentucky and LSU, will be crucial to the Aggies' postseason hopes as they aim to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

  • Texas A&M finished the 2025-2026 regular season 21-10 and 11-7 in the SEC.
  • The Aggies will face the winner of Oklahoma vs. South Carolina in the SEC Tournament on Thursday, March 14 at 8:30 p.m.

The players

Rylan Griffen

A senior guard for Texas A&M who has stepped up as a shooter, hitting nine 3-pointers in wins over Kentucky and LSU, and will be relied on to make an impact in the postseason.

Bucky McMillan

The first-year head coach of the Texas A&M men's basketball team, who has led the Aggies to a 21-10 record and a fourth-place finish in the SEC in his debut season.

Mackenzie Mgbako

A forward for Texas A&M who was lost for the season after just a handful of non-conference games, forcing the Aggies to adjust their strategy.

Rashaun Agee

A star forward for Texas A&M who is one of the key contributors and starters alongside Rylan Griffen.

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What they’re saying

“If we get to the tournament and do something special, it's something we can remember and be remembered for. It's Bucky's first team and for all the things we've overcome, It's bigger than just us, it's for the program.”

— Rylan Griffen, Texas A&M star guard (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Texas A&M will face the winner of Oklahoma vs. South Carolina in the SEC Tournament on Thursday, March 14 at 8:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Making the NCAA Tournament in Bucky McMillan's first season as head coach would be a significant accomplishment for the Texas A&M program, as they look to establish themselves as one of the top college basketball teams in the country under the new leadership.